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Welcome to the first Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have received invitations from the mods can actually reserve on August 25th and apply on September 1st. Our Interest Check can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice. If undecided, put "Undecided" for the Armada.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carryover the threads. We'll have more armada focused prompts in the opening log in September. The log itself is set to cover the next two weeks, until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR MAGIC USERS!! All magic abilities will be "sealed" until characters get their tattoo from the Inkwave parlor in Eltrut. That means no magic on the starter ships before docking.

We do require TDM threads for samples for our application!

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated August 28)

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

There are two ships that serve as starting ships for each armada: Stormbringer for the Corsairs, and Royal Fortune for the Paladins. There are various ways new arrivals—or riftfarers as they will be called, among other creative names—will appear on or by these ships.

🚪 Random room. It could be empty, filled with crates or supplies; down in the hull where the livestock are kept; have the luck to awaken in a bed...or the misfortune of that bed already occupied; somewhere in the kitchens; in the bathroom—any room! Now let's hope the doors can open or someone may have to try and ask for help. Or jump through the porthole if there is one and it's above water.
⛵ On deck. If not in the ship itself, another possible spot to wake up to is somewhere on the maindeck. If they're lucky, they're on the deck itself. More unfortunate souls may find themselves caught in the sails or netting, the crow's nest, or on the top of the masts. Someone should be able to help, right? Or catch.
🌊 In the water. The most unlucky sods will find themselves appearing in mid-air just past the ship and plummeting straight into the water. Good news, there's always someone on the look out for such a thing and calls for help to throw a lifesaver get the rowboat will be made. Are there sharks? Well... ...Are there?

However the new riftfarers arrive, they will be poorly clothed, practically rags or loose uniforms depending on the ship. Fortunately, veteran crewmates will guide them, escorting them to a room with a strange typewriter in it. After typing their name, the typewriter will magically continue and type by itself at a fast pace until it dings and rolls out the paper. This paper will have the following information:

• Name and Shellphone ID (journalname)
• Armada (Corsair or Paladin, will match the starter ship)
• Cabin Number for their personal cabin on the starter ship
• Apartment Address for their personal address at their base armada location
• A basic map of the starting locations in Eltrut, including written directions (continued in the Eltrut section)
• A basic map of where they can find a chest with their original clothes and belongings (this will be different for every person and will be anywhere either on the starter ship or on Eltrut—players can be creative here).

After that, the crewmate will do their best to explain the basics of how they got here, what's going on, and what they'll need to do to live in Escordvi while they are here, giving them a small leather pouch with money. They will be reaching Eltrut soon, so the crewmate will suggest they look around, meet the others who have arrived. Even from their distance, they will be able to see the giant sea turtle that serves as Eltrut's leviathan.

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

After reaching the port of Eltrut, several birdfolk will appear and happily greet all the new arrivals from both starter ships. Here it doesn't matter which side they are affiliated with, as long as they keep those swords and weapons sheathed and not pointed at each other's throats. The birdfolk will even act as guides, showing them the main places they should visit and give them a visitor's map to help guide them.

🐚 Microshell. The first stop that is encouraged will be Microshell, the main store to acquire their own personal Shellphone. The paper they received on their starter ship will have their ID and the staff at the store will set them up, explaining how the device and the network works.
✒️ Inkwave, Tattoo Parlor. The next stop is Inkwave, a tattoo parlor run by a very burly but friendly octopus, Knistej. Here everyone receives their own unique magic tattoo, allowing anyone to cast specific single element spells and other magic. Note: tattoos are required before anyone will be able to use their original magical abilities.
📜 MANTA office. The final stop is the MANTA office, where all the request, mission, and task notices are posted. Each armada has their own branch office for armada specific notices as well. A great place to find jobs to earn some cash so they don't stay a hobo forever.

It's a lot to take in for sure, with the port city bustling with all walks of life. Not only do they have both armadas mingling with each other, there are different races and species from all over Escordvi gathered here. It's not just humans, which many riftfarers always seem to be surprised about. There are also plenty of veteran riftfarers who will gladly give some advice and even share stories of their world. Maybe some are familiar.

After finding their belongings, exploring the town, and meeting other people, being able to just sit back and enjoy a drink and warm meal will be in order. While there are plenty of places to choose from, the Minstrel and Cask will be the top recommended tavern for all newcomers to visit at least once. Great drinks, great food, and can learn a lot from the patrons or meet more people.

Of course, as expected of a highly popular tavern, it's not always peaceful. A man will ask travelers what they want to do with their life. Clearly drunk, he only accepts answers that hint at wanting to find riches. If told this he will give out a treasure map. But if told anything else, he'll put up a fight, hoping to deliver a black eye. Those who do receive the map will be sorely disappointed—it will lead them down a long, winding, circuitous path around town and end at a random outhouse, likely occupied and certainly stinking to high heavens. There's likely some kind of moral here, but at some point, others who have been duped will return to the tavern to sling their fists around.

Looks like another tavern brawl for the night.

QUESTS

For those who want to try their hand at some quests, there are a few that would do well for newcomers. Teaming up is of course encouraged, no matter what the affiliation. You can assume they acquired some kind of ship for the quests out at sea, either the starter ship or some other ship heading out there.

Spicy Squid Eating Challenge

Eltrut Port

There is a traveling food ship (think food truck but on the water) that has been going around challenging ships to their extraordinary Hornswaggle's Spicy Squid Eating Challenge. If participants can scarf down a prepared three-pound bowl of exceptionally spicy ghost pepper squid and rice, they will win their meal for free as well as a crate of dried spicy squid for their ship's stores. If participants fail, they will have to pay for the meal and the crate.

...Careful, are some of the squid tentacles still moving?

Coral Reef Snacks

Eltrut

Rumour has it that certain types of coral reefs contain unique properties that can make you more alluring to the one you desire, but no one is sure what the side effects are. Test this out by trying to crunch into chunks of coral reef pieces to see if there are any added effects on your body. Hopefully, they don't ruin your teeth in the meantime.

Oh, and you have to find the correct coral reef too! Red chunks seem to make you more affectionate towards others, while blue chunks seem to make you more volatile towards others. Eaters, beware!

Giant Sea Slugs

Starter Ships

Giant sea slugs tend to only attack ships if they feel threatened but are otherwise peaceful creatures. They're about the size of a large wild cat. They also secrete a slime that contains strong disinfectant properties. This thick slime is highly sought after for its ability to heal wounds cleanly, so kill them and collect as much slime as possible.

Killer Sharkgulls

Eltrut port and ships

Seagulls can be a pain to most ships. Yet, seagulls that have evolved to be violently carnivorous can be even worse. These new birds, effectively named sharkgulls, have been seen attacking ships and ports alike. They are big enough to eat small children in one gulp or will do their best to eat full-grown humans after they've ripped them to bite-sized shreds. Beware and kill them before they can kill you!

Siren's Serenade

Out at Sea

A merchant's ship has crashed upon an outcropping of rocks after being lured in by a group of rogue sirens. These captivating creatures possess the power to ensnare their prey with their enchanting voices, luring unsuspecting souls into the depths to meet the grim fate of drowning.

Search for the missing ship and help rescue the captive sailors before it's too late! You will be supplied with special earplugs to muffle out the siren's voices so be careful to keep your ears effectively plugged. You don't want to succumb to the siren's bloodlust yourself.

Any sailors or rescuers affected by the siren's song can be treated with a harpy's potion that can reverse the song's effect. Or tie up the afflicted for twenty-four hours to wait out the effects.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He won't laugh... He won't laugh... He's probably the only one who would dare to.

Which is why he keeps his hand at his mouth and head partially ducked to the side.]

Not yet. Was on my way myself.

[No he wasn't, but also not quite a lie. He was going to find it after finding her, so it's still true.

And now he's just going to walk forward, letting her follow if she wants.]

[It's a very fortunate thing that she kept her back to him, because if she'd seen the way he was about to laugh—

She almost considers not following and letting him leave on his own, but something prickles at her chest as she watches him go. Anger, no doubt, and plenty of exasperation, as well as that sharper sensation of need. A need both to get this over with, yes, but more than that, there's one that has her heart carrying her feet after him. She maintains a whole pace of space between them, remaining behind, but he will hear her footsteps coming and staying...]

[And he'll hear her, a small if bitter smile forming on his lips as he fingertips lightly brush over his chin. The sound of her following, her footsteps once something he'd always hear to the point that he learned to recognize them well. How he ended up calling her his "little duck," how she first reacted to it. How he'd sometimes call her "ducky" out of endearment. He can't even remember when it was the last time he did.

Setting those memories aside and wishing he had his cigars, he glances back at her over his shoulder.]

See you got a wardrobe change.

Edited 2023-08-24 15:57 (UTC)

[When he does glance over his shoulder, she hopes he doesn't spot the way she's staring at the back of his head the way that she is, her eyes having softened some since they started walking. Immediately, she maintains that stubborn look of hers, her arms immediately folding over her chest.]

As did you.

[There's the slightest flick of her eyes looking him up and down.]

I saw to it that these clothes were getting some use. [Meaning that she stole them from someone who clearly wasn't planning on wearing them.] Better than the rags they put us in.

[He can't really judge, he did the exact same thing—]

Can't disagree with that. Thought these could "get some use" as well 'til I find my own.

[He will also notice that she didn't change the belt he gave her. Interesting.]

So you haven't searched?

[That, or he hasn't managed to find them.

Though, she's not sure whether these new clothes do him any more favours than his usual, but she is very quick to shake off that thought.

And in case he's wondering—]

I have no plans on returning them, however.

If you nicked them off another Corsair, then likely they had no plan on returning where they got them either.

[Since more likely stolen than bought—]

But not yet. Figured I'd get all the rest first before heading out to who knows where this is.

[He'll lift the paper to squint at the map. ...Yeah he'd rather at least the phone first.]

Just my sword and clothes, so I can hold out for a bit. Wish I had my cigars, though. Will have to look into how to get more.

There is no shortage of them around here, no doubt.

[Though, like him, she could probably use a puff or two from her pipe right about now to at least help soothe the aggravation she feels gnawing endlessly at her since she left the ship. To be honest, even stealing one of his cigars from him would do her well enough, she thinks.]

I am sure you'll be reunited with them soon enough.

[If Cidolfus is anything, it is resourceful, after all. Stubbornly so.

They come up to the shop—aptly labelled, too—and she huffs out a quiet sigh of relief when the line isn't insufferable like the tattoo parlour's was, and she strides past him, picking up her pace.]

Let's get this over with.

[Because she already knows how this is going to go.]

[Wow, way to ruin his excitement about getting one of those handheld devices!!!

Which doesn't last long when he enters and sees what they have on display. He does somehow manage restrain himself from going to one of the sample models, and it's only thanks to a staffer that soon comes up to them that he doesn't end up wandering.

With a bit of explanation and a little bit of waiting, the two will have their own shellphone devices and can pick out their own case, which is highly recommended to protect it. Their first set costs a nominal fee, but there are additional charges for any replacements, upgrades and service fees.

And once it is fully in his hands and set, Cid is already swiping over the screen, looking over the different settings and apps. There isn't a whole lot right now, but his eyes are shining.]

Brilliant. Bloody brilliant, I can't believe such a thing exists!

[Meanwhile, everything that the staffer says goes right over Benedikta's head. She prides herself on being a smart, cunning woman, which is why it's so goddamn frustrating that she doesn't understand anything of what's being said about the "apps" and "settings" and how to open her messages? This thing can send correspondence without the use of a stolas? And how in the world is she even supposed to write them—

And when the staffer shows her the "keyboard" that bears a striking resemblance to the "typewriter" that they saw earlier, she just about throws the shellphone back in their face.

Now here she is, stuck with Cidolfus in an empty corner of the shop who, for better or worse, hardly registers her confused presence beside her as he swipes at the screen while she just stares down at the glowing screen as if it's just insulted her.

She does watch him through the corner of her eye, her lips pulled into a thin, impatient line, parting only when he finally sings his praises.]

I think it's ridiculous.

[Yeah, she's being a party-pooper.]

[Wow. Wow.]

That's just because you don't know how it works.

[Calls her out. No fear. Also as if he knows how it full works...but he's clearly at least grasped the basics more than Benedikta.]

Here, what do you want to know first?

[He is also repositioning himself so that he's sitting more next to her.]

[Wow???

But when he shifts closer, he may feel her tense up in her shoulders, and her grip grows tight around the phone once she feels his shoulder bump hers. Fortunately, she has the screen to focus on and not the way his scent carries, or how his knee rests against her own.

That sudden warmth does something to make her falter, a lump forming in her throat that she tries to speak past with a strain to her voice.]

How... [She clears her throat.] How do I send messages with this thing?

[Is it good or bad that Cid doesn't notice much about her tension? Or rather, he just assumes it's her being tense around like usual, but his attention is also on the phones.]

Let's see, I was looking at it just now... Aha, here!

[Using his phone, he shows her the icon with the messenger app and taps on it, opening up. And once she follows, he'll point to the TO: field.]

See here, this is where you put in the ID of you're sending the message to. Need to add people to your Contact list... ...I'll show you later. But I'll send a message—"garudas" was it?

[An amused grin even if he kind of dislikes his own.

Anyway, probably faster than she can keep up, he's typing her ID into his own phone, types something quickly on his screen, and ding! She'll see his message appear on her phone.]

Its cid brilliant innit

Edited 2023-08-24 21:52 (UTC)

[It takes her a while to follow along, but she finds the messenger icon soon enough and gives it a tap, surprised when it opens up a brand-new screen. And it's definitely much faster than she can keep up because she's just pressing the G (and can't find the A) when it suddenly DINGS, and she's so startled by the sound and the vibration that she fumbles with her phone, almost dropping it.]

What was that—!?

[He just laughs at her reaction.]

That's how it knows you have a message. Go on, tap here.

[He'll point to the new notification.]

[She taps, perhaps harder than she's supposed to because it takes two taps for her to finally open the message and read it.

"Its cid brilliant innit"

She scoffs quietly, but her exasperation is short-lived, fading into a touch of awe and a lot of confusion as she reads it.

Then, looks to him, to his phone, then back to hers.]

How did you do that?

[A grin as he leans in just a little closer so he can point at the bottom of her screen.]

See this here? If you tap that, the thing with the letters—keyboard, was it?—will appear.

[He'll do this step by step now.]

[And lo and behold, there it is... It had somehow disappeared when he opened the message for her, and now she's left staring at all of the letters jumbled up together again with no rhyme or reason... She taps into the "reply" box, and then slowly begins to type letter by letter, her brow furrowing in deep focus.

...

s

t

u]

—fuck.

[But she accidentally hits the send key and Cid's phone will ding with a new message.]

[And he's going to look and—

Snort.]

Should I take a guess at what you were trying to tell me?

[She's not even going to humour him with an answer to a question as she furiously taps her finger on the screen.]

How do I get rid of it?

[HOW DOES SHE UNSEND]

[..........Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.]

Not sure if you can.

[He's going to try tapping on the message on his phone and see a few options, one of which says "Delete."]

Guess I could do that, but I think I'll keep it.

Wait, how did you—

[And in an effort to try it on her own phone, she ends up sending a small reaction beneath his message:

💗

and now she is screaming on the inside.]

Edited 2023-08-25 02:29 (UTC)

[And he also sees it on his end...

....

Pffffffffft!

He really tried not to laugh, and he's really trying not to, but even as he presses his hand against his mouth, his shoulders are shaking and she can hear that chuckling.

Oh Benna. Sweet Benna. What is he going to do with you—]

[Oh, she hears that chuckling and sees how much he is trying to stifle it, and it's going to earn him a good swat on the arm for it.]

Focus, Cidolfus!

[Not on the stupid little heart that she somehow added to his stupid little message. Now how does she get rid of that!?

She's going to try and try, pressing whatever button isn't a letter. Ah, what does this 😊 button do?]

What the fuck—

[Why are there all these faces on her screen now?]

[HE'S TRYING SO HARD BUT IT'S TOO FUCKING FUNNY. The swat only makes it worse, and the laugh he tried to hold in finally escapes.]

Sorry...let's...let's see.

[Trying, but he still has that stupid grin as he looks at her screen.]

So many different pictures... Well let's see if you do this.

[And he's going to just tap on her screen the 🥰 one and oh look at that it pops up on his screen. Oh this is going to be fascinating as he's going to try it on his while she's probably losing it and sends one right back: 😘

Oh this is hilarious and he's back to shaking in laughter.]

STARTER SHIPS: ORIENTATION

ELTRUT: FIRST GLIMPSE

QUESTS

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